Hereford Boy 'did Not Understand Risks' Of Tying Scarf Around Neck

Maybe your like

Media caption,

'Curiosity' led to Alfie Hyett being hanged by scarf

A 10-year-old boy found hanged in his bedroom "did not understand the risks of putting a scarf around his neck", a coroner has said.

Alfie Hyett was found by his mother Louise Hembrow at home in Hereford last March.

Police told the inquest they found no evidence to support a claim he was copying a choking game that encouraged people to block their airways.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded at Hereford Town Hall.

More on this and other stories from Hereford and Worcester

Image caption,
Alfie Hyett was found in his bedroom by his mother

When the inquest opened in June, Mark Bricknell, senior coroner for Herefordshire, heard Alfie died of vagal inhibition, which causes the heart to stop through the stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck.

Before the inquest, Ms Hembrow told the BBC she believed her son had taken part in the game where the brain is starved of oxygen to create an adrenalin rush.

However, Det Sgt Mark Jinks, from West Mercia Police, said there was no evidence he had researched the game or discussed it with friends.

Mr Bricknell said he believed Alfie had tied the scarf around his neck out of childhood curiosity or experimentation without realising the potential consequences, and had not meant to take his own life.

From other local news sites

Police appeal as cars are vandalised in Droitwich
- ExternalDroitwich Standard
MP sees first hand how veterans lives can be transformed by charity
- ExternalMalvern Gazette
Beauty spot hotel could be named 'Pub of the Year'
- ExternalHereford Times
Anger as more cars attacked during 'criminal damage' spree
- ExternalWorcester News
Work progresses at Sansome Walk swimming pool - 10 years after it closed
- ExternalWorcester News
'Small bandage on a much deeper wound' - pubs call for clarity on business rate cap
- ExternalKidderminster Shuttle

Information about BBC links to other news sites

More to explore

How Robert Duvall became a Hollywood great
'Farage forces elections U-turn' and 'Tributes to Godfather Star'
A simple guide to the May elections in England, Scotland and Wales
Trump's new world order has become real and Europe is having to adjust fast
China is hitting Japan where it hurts. Will PM Takaichi give in?
Team GB skeleton gold medallist says she discovered talent after Instagram ad
Why this school will ditch a shirt, tie and blazer from its uniform
America's Next Top Model shaped reality TV, but should it ever have been made?
Tech Decoded newsletter: Follow the world’s top tech stories and trends - sign up